This is the album where Blackmore ditched the dungeons and dragons and went for a more commercial pop sound. With the discovery of vocalist Graham Bonnet ( who was only known for singing in an Aussie band called The Marbles), the new version was ready to go. In Bonnet, Ritchie had found an incredible talent with a strong powerful voice that was perfect for this type of rock.
The opening track, All Night Long, is a great tune and was a hit single all over the world, and showed everyone Bonnet’s talents. If anyone was in any doubt that Blackmore had sold out, a more recognizable vibe was present with the next track Eyes Of The World, which sees a long solo piece to keep the faithful happy. No Time To Lose is next up and is a straight up rock n roller. Side closer, Makin Love, is ballad city with some nice classical guitar from Blacker’s at the intro.
Over to Side 2 we go and the best known track from the band’s history, Since You’ve Been Gone. Unless you have been on a different planet for the past 40 years, you cannot have missed this song – this was as commercial as Blackmore came. DIO could never have sung this. Love’s No Friend is next up, and is pure Deep Purple in vibe – I wonder if this was a left over riff?! Danger Zone has a cool choppy riff and a great vocal from Bonnet. That brings us to the album closer, Lost In Hollywood, a decent rockin’ tune.
Bonnet only lasted this one album before he was gone. He would later join MSG for the great Assault Attack album. Not a bad album and was a success sales wise.
7.5/10 from The Grooveman.
